Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus accidents, although entirely preventable, are some of the most common accidents that occur in metropolitan areas across the U.S. Between 2015 and 2018, they accounted for more than 21,800 traffic accidents, taking 14 lives and sending over 2,500 people to the hospital. These types of accidents, just like all traffic accidents, can be attributed to a variety of dangerous driving behaviors and mechanical failures putting those also on the road at severe risk of injury!
MTA buses are vulnerable to the same environmental and traffic conditions as passenger cars. However, their function as public transportation vehicles predisposes drivers to additional complications due to the long hours and passenger distractions. Factors that may contribute to the likelihood of an MTA bus accident are listed below:
- Driver exceeding the speed limit
- Various forms of distracted driving
- The bus driver may be engaged in conversations with passengers
- The bus driver might use their mobile device behind the wheel
- Failure to respect another driver’s right of way
- Inattention or obstructed view (bus drivers often have a difficult time seeing smaller cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians due to the size of their vehicle)
- Driving under the influence (this can include prescribed medications, in addition to
- Drowsy driving
A clear determination of the accident cause is critical to building a strong legal case against the appropriate party. Failure to prove the complete liability of the MTA driver or a party separate from yourself may harm your compensation eligibility. If you are uncertain whether the driver’s behaviors directly contributed to your crash, keep in mind that MTA buses often cause accidents due to mechanical failures. This may indicate that the bus was improperly maintained or was sold with defective parts, both instances that would absolve you of any fault.
Contact a Lawyer to File Your Claim
In each of these cases, whether you were a motorist sharing the road with the MTA bus driver, or a passenger on the bus itself, you have the right to file a claim for the damages you incurred in the accident. This right remains regardless of who is found to be at fault for your incident, as long as you do not share liability. As a victim, you will never be expected to cover the losses inflicted upon you in such an accident.
When you’re ready to begin your case, it is imperative that you contact a lawyer, since resolving these accidents can be quite complicated. For one, MTA buses are owned by the local government. Filing claims against municipalities is challenging since laws such as the statute of limitations enforce slightly different rules to these cases. (For example, instead of having two years to initiate the litigation process, you have only six months.)
Even though you’re challenging a municipal authority, you can be confident in your case, as your lawyer will guide you through each phase of the claims process. They will ensure that you have as much evidence as possible to demonstrate the bus driver’s negligence or that of associated parties. Further, your lawyer will use their expertise to strengthen your chances of securing the compensation you’re owed. Get in touch with a lawyer today to begin your bus accident case.
